Legislative Activity

The Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act of 2026 extends and updates funding for existing regional ocean partnerships through fiscal year 2031. This legislation amends previous law to ensure continued support for these vital ocean management initiatives. It also adjusts reporting requirements to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the partnerships.

This joint resolution seeks to disapprove and nullify a specific rule recently issued by the Department of Education concerning the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. If enacted, this resolution would prevent the published rule from taking effect or being enforced.

The Combating Illicit Xylazine Act formally defines xylazine and immediately places it into Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. This legislation establishes specific rules for the legitimate veterinary use and possession of xylazine while mandating enhanced tracking and requiring the Sentencing Commission to review penalties for related offenses. Furthermore, the bill directs the Attorney General to report to Congress on the prevalence and impact of illicit xylazine use.

The Expedited Disability Insurance Payments for Terminally Ill Individuals Act of 2026 establishes a phased payment schedule for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to provide faster financial support to those with a terminal diagnosis. By allowing eligible individuals to receive benefits during the standard waiting period, the bill aims to provide critical relief to those facing terminal illness. Additionally, the legislation mandates comprehensive reporting by the Social Security Administration and the GAO to ensure program integrity and evaluate its effectiveness.

The Veterans Outdoor Rehabilitation Act establishes a grant program to help states expand access to structured outdoor recreation activities for veterans. By funding programs that promote physical and mental well-being, this legislation aims to reduce financial barriers and foster community through nature-based therapeutic experiences.

The Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 aims to improve the availability of mental health care by increasing Medicare reimbursement rates for specific services. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill raises the payment rate from 75% to 85% of the physician fee schedule. This adjustment is designed to better support providers and expand access to essential mental health treatment for Medicare beneficiaries.

Tyler’s Law directs the Department of Health and Human Services to conduct a comprehensive study on the current practices, costs, and benefits of fentanyl testing in hospital emergency departments. Following this study, the Secretary will issue formal guidance to help hospitals improve their testing protocols for patients experiencing overdoses. This legislation aims to enhance clinical responses to the fentanyl crisis and improve patient health outcomes.

This bill establishes the LINC VA Act to create a pilot program for a community integration platform connecting veterans with local support services like housing, healthcare, and job training. The platform will coordinate services, track referrals, and collect standardized data on veterans' social needs. The program will be evaluated to assess its impact on veterans' health outcomes and access to necessary resources.

The "Love Lives On Act of 2025" modifies eligibility rules for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) payments for surviving spouses who remarry. It allows remarried surviving spouses to receive certain educational benefits and DIC, and it continues annuity payments to surviving spouses who remarry, particularly those whose spouses died on active duty. Additionally, the Act expands the definition of "dependent" under the TRICARE program to include remarried widows or widowers whose subsequent marriage has ended.

The Veterans Scam And Fraud Evasion Act of 2025, or VSAFE Act, establishes a new Veterans Scam and Fraud Evasion Officer within the Department of Veterans Affairs. This Officer will lead efforts to prevent, respond to, and track fraud targeting veterans while coordinating with other federal agencies. Additionally, the bill makes a minor technical adjustment by extending the expiration date of certain existing limits on veterans' pension payments by two months.

The "Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2025" expands Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to National Guard members performing specific full-time duties. This includes active duty under title 10 or title 14, section 3713, as well as full-time National Guard duty or active duty within the National Guard. These changes are retroactive to service performed on or after September 11, 2001, and will take effect one year after enactment.

The Veterans SPORT Act mandates that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) must now provide eligible veterans with coverage for adaptive prostheses and terminal devices specifically designed for sports and other recreational activities. This amendment expands the medical services the VA furnishes, ensuring veterans have access to necessary equipment for physical recreation.

The Veteran Burial Timeliness and Death Certificate Accountability Act aims to eliminate delays in certifying the deaths of veterans who pass away from natural causes. This bill mandates that VA physicians or nurse practitioners must certify a veteran's death within 48 hours, or a local official can step in. The legislation also requires the VA Secretary to annually report on compliance with this new timely certification standard.

This resolution commemorates the 114th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, honoring its enduring legacy of fostering leadership, confidence, and character in girls. It celebrates the organization's commitment to community service, STEM education, and civic engagement while recognizing the achievements of Gold Award recipients. The bill further encourages the continued support of future women leaders as the organization prepares for its upcoming national events.

The PREDICT Act establishes a national wastewater surveillance program to improve the early detection and monitoring of infectious diseases. By providing grants and technical support to state, Tribal, and local health departments, the bill creates a standardized framework for analyzing community wastewater data. This initiative aims to enhance public health responses through better data transparency, rigorous testing standards, and ongoing research into emerging health threats.

The Women Veterans Specialty Care Access Act streamlines healthcare for women veterans by allowing them to schedule gynecology, obstetrics, maternity, and postpartum appointments directly. This legislation removes the requirement for a primary care referral, ensuring faster and more convenient access to essential specialty services at VA facilities and through the Veterans Community Care Program.

The **Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act of 2026** aims to increase transparency and accountability in U.S. elections by closing loopholes that allow foreign spending and requiring greater disclosure of political donors. The legislation mandates that organizations report significant political expenditures, forces leaders to take personal responsibility for political advertisements, and streamlines the legal process for campaign finance challenges. Ultimately, these reforms seek to provide voters with clearer information about who is funding political campaigns and judicial nominations.

The Federal Loan Systems Modernization Act of 2026 mandates the creation of "Lending.gov," a centralized, shared-services platform designed to modernize and streamline federal loan management. By replacing outdated agency-specific systems with standardized, commercially available technology, the Act aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the borrower experience. The legislation establishes clear oversight, performance standards, and a mandatory migration timeline for federal agencies to ensure a unified and secure digital lending infrastructure.

This resolution officially designates **March 6, 2026, as "National Speech and Debate Education Day."** The day aims to recognize the essential role of speech and debate in developing vital 21st-century skills like communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. It encourages the entire nation to celebrate and promote the lifelong impact of this education.

The Health Care Cybersecurity and Resiliency Act of 2026 aims to strengthen the cybersecurity posture of the healthcare sector by mandating closer coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). The bill establishes new cybersecurity standards for healthcare entities, including requirements for multifactor authentication and encryption, while creating a grant program to assist organizations in adopting these protections. Additionally, it enhances breach reporting transparency, provides specialized cybersecurity guidance for rural health providers, and directs the development of a strategic plan to grow the healthcare cybersecurity workforce.